Folding elliptical exercise machine

ABSTRACT

An elliptical exercise machine having a frame that is adjustable between an operational position and a folded position. The frame includes a base that remains in constant contact with a floor surface when the frame is in both the operational and folded positions. A first mast section extends upwardly and outwardly away from the base. A second mast section is pivotally connected to an upper end of the first mast section. The second mast section is pivoted into vertical alignment with the first mast section when the frame is adjusted into the operational position and is pivoted downwardly toward the base when the frame is adjusted into the folded position. First and second swing arm assemblies are pivotally mounted between the second mast section and a flywheel that is mounted on the base. Handlebars are pivotally mounted on the first and second swing arms. The handlebars are adjustable in orientation so as to reduce the overall dimensions of the elliptical exercise machine when it is to be folded. A decorative cover, which preferably resembles a wooden coffee table, is positioned over the exercise machine when in the folded position. The exercise machine therefore can be stored in plain sight. The cover is removed when the exercise machine is to be adjusted into the operational position.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Technical Field

This invention generally relates to exercise equipment. More particularly, the invention relates to elliptical machines. Specifically, the invention relates to an elliptical machine that is foldable for storage and which includes a storage box that resembles a coffee table.

2. Background Information

There is a growing trend in the fitness industry for equipment that is suitable for use in the home, especially pieces of equipment such as treadmills and elliptical machines. Elliptical machines are a popular choice as home exercise equipment as they give both the upper body and lower body an effective, low impact workout.

One of the key issues that people face when elliptical machines and similar pieces of equipment are brought into their homes is that of space. A good quality elliptical machine will be around 80 inches in length, have a width of between 32 and 36 inches, a height of around 63 inches and weigh anywhere from 190 lbs upwards. Obviously, there also needs for clearance space surrounding the actual machine so that a person may get safely on to and off from the machine. Basements tend to be one of the more typical places in the home to place exercise equipment because of the space constraints. However, exercising alone in a basement away from the center of activity in the home tends to be tedious. Additionally, because the elliptical machine is out of sight, it is easy for one to forget to exercise on a regular basis.

Bringing this type of space-utilizing device into a living room or family room causes two problems. Firstly, these pieces of equipment are not aesthetically pleasing and would be considered to be an eyesore in such a communal type of room. Secondly, the quantity of space in the room that is occupied by such devices is unacceptable.

Many manufacturers have attempted to address these issues by providing home-use elliptical machines that are foldable so that they will take up less space. One such home-use version of a foldable elliptical machine is disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,149,551 and 6,190,289, both issued to Pyles et al. Pyles et al teaches that an elliptical machine may be reduced in dimensions by pivoting the pedal arms and/or the rails on which the arms ride upwardly toward a vertically extending mast. The device is therefore moved from an operational position into a vertically folded position. This mechanism for folding the elliptical machine does reduce the amount of floor space that the machine will occupy when not in use, but considering that the height of a mast for an elliptical machine is typically around five to six feet high, the folded machine would remain an eyesore in any room. Pyles et al discloses that the machine may also be provided with a plurality of wheels that will enable the homeowner to wheel the vertically folded device across a surface and into a suitable storage location, such as a closet.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,823,917 issued to Chen discloses an elliptical device in which the mast or handle comprises an upper and a lower portion that are pivotally connected together. The machine includes a pin mechanism that, when released, allows the upper portion of the handle to be folded downwardly over the swing arms. This folding mechanism somewhat addresses the mast height issue, but does not reduce the amount of floor space that the machine occupies. Even when the machine has been moved into a folded position the swing arms project beyond the length of the supporting base and are hazardous to people walking past the machine. Once again, the machine is provided with wheels to allow it to be moved into a storage area because keeping the device in a high traffic area would be unacceptable from both an aesthetic and space point of view.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,529,554 issued to Eschenbach discloses a collapsible exercise device in which the handle is pivoted downwardly to abut the pedal arms. When this occurs, the frame is actually elongated to ensure that the folded device has the lowest possible height so that it may be stored under a bed, for example. Consequently, the device occupies even more floor space when it is folded than when it is operational.

Furthermore, elliptical machines sold under the trademark PRO FORM SPACE SAVER®, a registered trademark of Icon Health & Fitness of West Logan, Utah, have a base frame that comprises two pivotally connected sections. The mast extends upwardly from the first section and a flywheel is mounted on the second section. When the device is to be folded for storage purposes, the pivot arms are detached from the flywheel and the second section of the base is pivoted over the first section of the base toward the mast. This reduces the length of the base, but does not address the height issue of the mast.

Similarly, elliptical machines sold by Sharper Image Corporation of San Francisco, Calif., also include a pivoting base section that is folded upwardly onto the mast of the device. The device is therefore of a low profile, but of an elongated length and cannot be simply left in the middle of a room.

Though some of the elliptical machines disclosed in the prior art may be folded up, they are still aesthetically displeasing and do not enhance the appearance of a room, such as a living room or family room, that is frequently used. While yet other machines may be folded up and wheeled away for storage purposes, it is problematic for the home exerciser to have to move the machine back and forth between the storage location and the use location. Additionally, it is also more likely that if a person has wheeled their elliptical machine into some sort of storage location, they will be less inclined to retrieve the elliptical machine in order to exercise because of the effort involved in setting the elliptical machine back in an appropriate location.

There is therefore a need in the art for an elliptical machine that is substantial and sturdy in construction that is foldable to reduce the amount of space it occupies when not in use, but which does not need to be placed in a remote storage location in order to enhance the aesthetic appearance of the room.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The device of the present invention comprises an exercise machine having a frame that is adjustable between an operational position and a folded position. The frame includes a base that remains in constant contact with a floor surface when the frame is in both the operational and folded positions. A first mast section extends upwardly and outwardly away from the base. A second mast section is pivotally connected to an upper end of the first mast section. The second mast section is pivoted into vertical alignment with the first mast section when the frame is adjusted into the operational position and is pivoted downwardly toward the base when the frame is adjusted into the folded position. First and second swing arm assemblies are pivotally mounted between the second mast section and a flywheel that is mounted on the base. Handlebars are pivotally mounted on the first and second swing arms. The handlebars are adjustable in orientation so as to reduce the overall dimensions of the exercise machine when it is to be folded. A decorative cover, which preferably resembles a wooden coffee table, is positioned over the exercise machine when in the folded position. The exercise machine therefore can be stored in plain sight. The cover is removed when the exercise machine is to be adjusted into the operational position.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The preferred embodiments of the invention, illustrative of the best mode in which applicant has contemplated applying the principles, are set forth in the following description and are shown in the drawings and are particularly and distinctly pointed out and set forth in the appended claims.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the folding elliptical machine in accordance with the present invention shown in a fully folded position;

FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of the elliptical machine of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the elliptical machine in the fully folded position, and having a portion of the outer shell removed for the sake of clarity;

FIG. 4 is a side view of the elliptical machine shown in FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the elliptical machine in the fully folded position and with the entire cover removed therefrom;

FIG. 6 is a front view of the elliptical machine in the fully folded position with the cover entirely removed;

FIG. 7 is a top view of the elliptical machine in the fully folded position with the cover entirely removed;

FIG. 8 is a left side view of the elliptical machine in the fully folded position with the cover entirely removed;

FIG. 9 is a right side view of the elliptical machine in the fully folded position with the cover entirely removed;

FIG. 10 is a front perspective view of the elliptical machine in the operational position;

FIG. 11 is a front view of the elliptical machine in the operational position;

FIG. 12 is a top view of the elliptical machine in the operational position;

FIG. 13 is a left side view of the elliptical machine in the operational position; and

FIG. 14 is a right side view of the elliptical machine in the operational position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring to FIGS. 1 to 14, there is shown an exercise machine in accordance with the present invention. The exercise machine is shown in a folded or storage position in FIGS. 1-9 and is generally indicated at 10. The exercise machine is shown in an operational position in FIGS. 10-14.

Exercise machine 10 includes an outer shell 12 that is configured to have the appearance of a piece of furniture and, most specifically, the appearance of a coffee table. Shell 12 has a top 14, four side walls 16 extending outwardly therefrom and defining an interior cavity 18 (FIG. 3) thereinbetween. An elliptical machine 20, in accordance with the present invention, is stored within cavity 18 of shell 12 when machine 20 is in a folded position. At least one of the side walls of shell 12, such as side wall 16 a, may include trim pieces that are configured to create the illusion of a drawer 22. Handles 23 are applied to side wall 16 a to complete the illusion. Any other decorative features may be provided on shell 12 to create an aesthetically appealing piece of furniture. Shell 12 may be formed from any suitable material including wood, plywood with a wood veneer and melamine-laminated particle board. Preferably, shell 12 is around 20″ high×36″ long×20″ wide and ways around 15 lbs so that it is easily lifted off and placed over elliptical machine 20. Shell 12 is designed to not only hide elliptical machine 20 in plain view, but is also designed to serve as a useful and decorative piece of furniture.

Elliptical machine 20 is adjustable between the folded position (FIGS. 3-9) and an operational position (FIGS. 10-14). FIGS. 3 and 4 show elliptical machine 20 with outer shell 12 in place and FIGS. 5-9 show elliptical machine 20 with outer shell 12 completely removed therefrom.

Elliptical machine 20 comprises a frame member 24, a mast 26, a pair of handlebars 28, a pair of swing arms 30, a pair of footrests 32 and a flywheel 34.

Frame member 24 comprises a base 36 that is elongated and terminates in a front floor support 38 at a first end and a rear floor support 40 at a second end. FIGS. 3-5 show that base 36 is an elongated bar of steel or some other suitably strong material. Base 36 is not planar, but is instead formed with one or more angled portions to reinforce and strengthen the same. Front and rear floor supports 38, 40 are disposed at right angles to base 36 so that when frame member 24 is viewed from above, it is generally I-shaped. A plate 42 is welded or otherwise secured to front floor support 38. Plate 42 is secured along substantially the entire length of front floor support 38 and extends upwardly away therefrom for a distance. Plate 42 is provided on front floor support 38 to prevent the lower ends of swing arms 30 from moving forwardly of mast 26 when elliptical machine 20 is in the folded position as will be hereinafter described. This maintains flywheel 34 in the folded or storage position. Base 36 of frame member 24 has a length “L” (FIG. 4) and front and rear floor supports 38, 40 have a width “W” (FIGS. 7 and 12).

Mast 26 extends upwardly away from base 36 of frame member 24 just rearwardly of front floor support 38. Mast 26 comprises a lower mast portion 44 and an upper mast portion 46 that are pivotally secured to each other at pivot 48. Lower mast portion 44 is welded or otherwise fixedly secured to base 36 and preferably includes a braced region 50 to provide strength and stability to mast 26. An end 52 of lower mast portion 44 extends upwardly for a short distance beyond pivot 48. This is most easily seen when elliptical machine 20 is in the folded position and mast 26 is therefore in the folded position (FIG. 4). Upper mast portion 46 includes a recessed region 54 (FIG. 7) into which end 52 is received when elliptical machine 20 is adjusted into the operational position. A spring-loaded slam latch 56 is provided on upper mast portion 46. When upper mast portion 46 is rotated from a folded position (FIG. 4) to an operational position (FIG. 10), latch 56 automatically is engaged and securely locks lower and upper mast portions 44, 46 together. Knob 58 (FIG. 4) has to be vertically lifted in order to disengage latch 56 so that upper mast portion 46 may be disengaged from lower mast portion 44 and adjusted from the operational position to the folded position.

Each handlebar 28 comprises a sleeve 60 and a bar 62. Sleeve 60 is fixedly secured to an upper end of one of the swing arms 30 by being welded thereto, for example. Bar 62 is adjustably engageable in a bore (not shown) in sleeve 60. Bar 62 is able to telescope further into or further out of sleeve 60 and may be completely disconnected from sleeve 60 by sliding the same completely out of the bore therein. Bar 62 is also able to rotate within the bore of sleeve 60 and to thereby assume a different orientation relative thereto. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, each bar 62 is comprised of at least a first portion 62 a, a second portion 62 b and a third portion 62 c. First, second and third portions 62 a-62 c are offset at angles relative to each other. When elliptical machine 20 is adjusted from the operational position to the folded position, bar 62 is rotated between a first orientation where the terminal ends 66 of handlebars 28 extend upwardly away from frame member 24, and a second orientation (shown in FIGS. 4 and 6) where the terminal ends 66 extend downwardly toward the frame member 24. When handlebars 28 are in this second orientation, terminal ends 66 are disposed proximate rear floor support 40 and the distance between terminal ends 66 is substantially equal to the length “W” of rear floor support 40 (FIGS. 6 and 7). A spring-loaded latch 64 secures bar 62 within sleeve 60. Latch 64 is pulled outwardly to allow bar 62 to move relative to sleeve 60. Latch 64 is released to lock bar 62 in position within the bore of sleeve 60.

When elliptical machine 20 is adjusted from the folded position to an operational position (FIGS. 10-14), latch 64 is pulled outwardly to allow bars 62 to rotate within the bores of sleeves 60. Bars 62 are rotated from the second orientation (FIG. 6) to the first orientation where handlebars 28 angle upwardly away from frame member 24 and rear floor support 40. The rotational motion in handlebars 28 is continued until latch 64 engages and thereby locks bars 62 in this first orientation relative to sleeve 60. Mast 26 is then rotated into an operational position (as described hereinafter). When elliptical machine 20 is in the operational position (FIG. 10), handlebars 28 extend upwardly away from the vertically oriented mast 26 (FIG. 11). In this position, the distance between ends 66 of bars 62 is greater than the length “W” of front and rear floor supports 38, 40 (FIG. 12).

Swing arms 30 comprise an upper arm 68 and a lower arm 70 that are pivotally connected to each other by an elbow 72. Footrests 32 are secured to or integrally formed with lower arm 70. Each upper arm 68 is mounted by way of a pivot pin 74 to an upper end of the upper mast 46. Pivot pins 74 extend outwardly at right angles to the upper end of upper mast 46 and, consequently, swing arms 30 are disposed substantially parallel to mast 26 (FIG. 6). Referring to FIGS. 7, 13 and 14, lower arm 70 a is connected by a pivot pin 76 to a first surface 34 a of flywheel 34. (Flywheel 34 is mounted for rotation on a post 35 that extends outwardly away from an upper surface of base 36 of frame member 24.) Lower arm 70 b is connected by a pivot pin 78 to a second surface 34 b of flywheel 34. Pivot pins 76, 78 extend outwardly at right angles from the opposing outer surfaces 34 a, 34 b and are positioned 180° away from each other around the circumference of flywheel 34. A foot rest 32 is secured to the upper surfaces of each of the lower arms 70 a, 70 b.

In the folded position, frame member 24 with its base 36, front floor support 38, plate 42 and rear floor support 40 remains in a stationary position on a floor surface. None of these components is foldable. Frame member 24 is of a rugged construction and preferably is manufactured from members that are welded or otherwise fixedly secured to each other. In order to fold or collapse elliptical machine 20 onto frame 24, latch 64 is disengaged and handlebars 28 are rotated inwardly to a position where ends 66 are as close as possible to each other. Latch 56 is disengaged by pulling upwardly on knob 58. As soon as upper mast 46 becomes movable relative to lower mast 44, upper mast 46 is rotated about pivot 48 and is folded over base 36 of frame member 24.

When elliptical machine 20 is in this folded position it should be noted that ends 66 of handlebars 28 do not extend rearwardly of rear floor support 24 (FIG. 7). Secondly, it should be noted when upper mast 46 pivots downwardly, elbows 72 drop but still have enough clearance from front floor support 38 and are almost in abutting contact therewith. Elbows 72 also are positioned inwardly and rearwardly of plate 42. Neither swing arm 30 extends beyond plate 42. The overall length of elliptical machine 20 is further reduced by correctly positioning flywheel 34. This is accomplished by ensuring that one of pivot pins 76, 78 is positioned at or near the top of flywheel 34 and the other of the pivot pins 76, 78 is positioned at or near the bottom of flywheel 34. This is illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5. The position of flywheel 34 is in part maintained by plate 42 on front floor support 38 because plate 42 substantially prevents both swing arms 30 from moving past it. At this point, ends 66 of handlebars 28 are proximate rear floor support 40 and are spaced a distance apart from each other that is substantially the same as the length “W” of rear floor support 40. Outer shell 12 is then slid over the folded elliptical machine 20. Outer shell 12 is made from 3/16″ plywood with wood trim and is stained to have the appearance of real wood. The outer dimensions of the shell 12 are around 20 inches wide, 20 inches tall and 36 inches long. Shell 12 weighs around 15 lbs. The folded treadmill 20 in combination with shell 12 therefore becomes a useful and decorative piece of furniture and the elliptical machine 20 is stored in full view.

When a person wishes to exercise, they lift outer shell 12 from over the folded elliptical machine 20. Elliptical machine 20 is then adjusted from the folded position (FIGS. 3-9) into the operational position by grasping upper mast 46 and rotating the same through 900 upper and lower masts 46, 44 are aligned and slam latch 56 locks. Slam latch 56 secures the upper and lower masts 46, 44 together and provides a single stable mast 26 for elliptical machine 20. At this point, bars 62 of handlebars 28 are grasped and rotated outwardly away from each other to a position where spring-loaded latches 64 engage. Latches 64 lock bars 62 in position in sleeves 60. The exerciser can now place their feet in footrests 32, hold onto a portion of the bars 62 and being to work out. When their workout is complete, they step off footrests 32 and elliptical machine 20 is then adjustable into the folded position by reversing the above two steps. Shell 12 is then repositioned over the folded machine.

In the foregoing description, certain terms have been used for brevity, clearness, and understanding. No unnecessary limitations are to be implied therefrom beyond the requirement of the prior art because such terms are used for descriptive purposes and are intended to be broadly construed.

Moreover, the description and illustration of the invention are an example and the invention is not limited to the exact details shown or described. 

1. An elliptical exercise machine comprising: a frame adjustable between an operational position and a folded position, said frame comprising: a base; a first mast section extending upwardly from the base; a second mast section pivotally connected to the first mast section; said second mast section being pivotable relative to the first mast section when the frame is adjusted into the operational position, and being pivotable toward the base when the frame is adjusted into the folded position; a rotatable flywheel; and a first and a second swing arm assembly; wherein a first end of each of the first and second swing arm assemblies is pivotally mounted to the second mast section and a second end of each of the first and second assemblies is operatively connected to the flywheel.
 2. The elliptical exercise machine as defined in claim 1, wherein the base further comprises: a first support adapted to contact the floor surface; wherein said first mast section is fixedly mounted on the base proximate the first support; a second support adapted to contact the floor surface; wherein the flywheel is mounted on the base spaced from the first support; and a frame member rigidly extending between the first and second supports.
 3. The elliptical exercise machine as defined in claim 1, further comprising a pair of handlebars, each handlebar being mounted on one of the first and second swing arms; and wherein said handlebars are adjustable relative to the first and second swing arms between a first orientation when the frame is in the operational position; and a second orientation when the frame is in the folded position.
 4. The elliptical exercise machine as defined in claim 3, wherein each handlebar comprises: a sleeve fixedly connected to one of the first and second swing arm assemblies; and a bar adjustably engaged with the sleeve; and wherein the orientation of the handlebars is changed between the first and second orientations thereof by moving the bar of each handlebar relative to the sleeve.
 5. The elliptical exercise machine as defined in claim 4, wherein the bar of each handlebar is rotatable within a bore in the sleeve to move the handlebars between the first and second orientations; and wherein the machine further comprises a locking mechanism for locking the bar in one of the first and second orientations relative to the sleeve.
 6. The elliptical exercise machine as defined in claim 5, wherein each bar includes at least a first portion and a second portion that are disposed at an angle relative to each other.
 7. The elliptical exercise machine as defined in claim 1, wherein the base remains in constant contact with a floor surface when the frame is in both the operational and folded positions.
 8. The elliptical exercise machine as defined in claim 3, wherein each handlebar includes a terminal end; and wherein the terminal ends are a first distance apart when the handlebars are in the first orientation, and are a second distance apart when the handlebars are in the second orientation; and wherein the first distance is greater than the second distance.
 9. The elliptical exercise machine as defined in claim 8, wherein the base further comprises: a first support adapted to contact a floor surface; a second support having a length and being adapted to contact the floor surface at a position remote from the first support; a frame member rigidly extending between the first and second supports; and when the handlebars are in the second orientation, the terminal ends thereof are disposed proximate the second support and the second distance is substantially equal to the length of the second support.
 10. The elliptical exercise machine as defined in claim 9, wherein the terminal ends of the handlebars are disposed on either side of the flywheel when the frame is in the folded position.
 11. The elliptical exercise machine as defined in claim 9, wherein the first distance between the terminal ends of the handlebars is greater than the length of the second support.
 12. The elliptical exercise machine as defined in claim 10, wherein the terminal ends of the handlebars do not extend beyond the second support when the frame is in the folded position.
 13. The elliptical exercise machine as defined in claim 1, further comprising a latch for securing the first and second mast sections together when the frame is in an operational position.
 14. The elliptical exercise machine as defined in claim 2, further comprising a stop plate fixedly secured to the first support of the base and extending upwardly away therefrom; and, when the frame is in a folded position, the stop plate engages a portion of each of the first and second swing arms to substantially prevent the same from extending beyond the first support.
 15. The elliptical exercise machine as defined in claim 14, wherein each of the first and second swing arm assemblies comprises: a first leg that is pivotally secured to the second mast section; a second leg that is operative connected to the flywheel; and an elbow pivotally securing the first and second legs together.
 16. The elliptical exercise machine as defined in claim 15, wherein the first leg is foldable over the second leg when the frame is adjusted from the operational position to the folded position.
 17. The elliptical exercise machine as defined in claim 16, wherein the stop plate engages the elbows of the first and second swing arm assemblies when the frame is in the folded position; thereby preventing movement of the first and second swing arm assemblies relative to the base; and the stop plate does not engage the elbows of the first and second swing arm assemblies when the frame is in the operational position, thereby permitting movement of the first and second swing arms relative to the base.
 18. The elliptical exercise machine as defined in claim 1, further comprising an outer shell, said outer shell having a top wall and a plurality of side walls extending outwardly away from said top wall to define and surround an interior cavity; and wherein said frame is receivable within the interior cavity when the frame is in the folded position; whereby the folded frame is hidden from view.
 19. The elliptical exercise machine as defined in claim 18, wherein the outer shell has a decorative appearance of a piece of furniture.
 20. In combination; a cover comprising a top wall and a peripheral wall extending downwardly therefrom to define a substantially rectangular cavity thereinbetween; wherein said top and peripheral walls have a decorative outer appearance; an elliptical exercise machine that is collapsible from an operational position where the device is used for exercise purposes to a foldable position where the device is reduced in overall outer dimensions and is received within the cavity in the cover; whereby said cover and folded elliptical exercise machine become a decorative cover and the elliptical exercise machine is stored away from view. 